LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 07/19/12 — The Government has recently announced plans for every home in Great Britain to have installed, one for gas and one for electricity, so as to accurately monitor their energy usage. This project will be one of the largest infrastructure projects to have taken place since the Second World War, replacing an estimated 48 million existing meters across the country. Businesses and public sector buildings are also having smart or advanced energy metering suited to their needs.
Smart meters are electronic devices that are designed to provide accurate and advanced data readings so that consumers can accurately see just how much energy they are using, and how much it is costing them. A smart meter works by transmitting a signal, in the same way a mobile phone does, automatically sending a meter reading to your energy provider. This means you only pay for the electricity you actually use because your provider can get an accurate meter reading from your smart meter, so it removes the need to base bills on estimates or have a technician visit to the read the meter. Significantly, it also allows consumers who are attempting to reduce their costs directly see the impact of any energy saving measures that they are taking. This provides further incentive to continue saving.
As well as helping consumers save money, the Government believes that the roll out of smart meters will play an important role in Britain–s transition to a low-carbon economy and help the country meet some of the long-term challenges we face in ensuring an affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply.
Energy suppliers will be responsible for replacing over 53 million gas and electricity meters, involving visits to 30 million homes and small businesses. So if you are a customer with British Gas, you will receive a , for example. The mass roll-out of smart meters is expected to start in 2014 and to be completed in 2019. The majority of consumers will receive their smart meters during the mass roll-out, and begin to reap the benefits immediately.
Contacts:
Felicity Callaghan
+44 (0)7769 542 360